Congress MP Rajeev Satav succumbs to Cytomegalovirus

The 46-year-old leader was on ventilator support at the hospital after his health deteriorated.

Congress MP Rajeev Satav passed away at a private hospital in Pune on Sunday, days after recovering from coronavirus infection (Covid-19), confirmed hospital authorities.

Earlier on Saturday, Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope said Satav is suffering from fresh infection due to Cytomegalovirus. (Rajeev Satav/Twitter)

"After a prolonged illness, Congress MP Rajeev Satav succumbed to secondary pneumonia with multi-organ dysfunction syndrome on May 16," Medical Director, Jehangir Hospital, Pune said in a statement.

The 46-year-old leader was on ventilator support at the hospital after his health deteriorated.

Satav, considered close to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, had tested positive for Covid-19 earlier on April 22. He was later diagnosed with a new viral infection called Cytomegalovirus and was in a critical condition.

Expressing his condolence, Gandhi said, "I’m very sad at the loss of my friend Rajeev Satav. He was a leader with huge potential who embodied the ideals of the Congress. It’s a big loss for us all. My condolences and love to his family.

Earlier on Saturday, Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope said Satav is suffering from fresh infection due to Cytomegalovirus.

Cytomegalovirus is a common herpes virus. The virus, which remains dormant in the body, can cause complications during pregnancy and for people with a weakened immune system.